On Top of the World is an active community for retirees located in Central Florida. It’s one of the largest active adult communities in the Sunshine State with over 10,000 homes. It attracts retirees and active seniors from across the nation due to its wide variety of amenities, active lifestyle, and large golf cart community.
The retirement community is located in Ocala and provides residents with a myriad of opportunities to swim, play pickleball, take part in fitness classes, get a much-needed massage, lift some weights, play a round of golf, and cruise around in their carts. On Top of the World, also known as OTOW, is just over six miles west of Interstate 75 and is surrounded by a gorgeous landscape filled with ancient oak trees and rolling hills. All residents are 55 years of age or over, and after taking a closer look at OTOW, it’s easy to see why so many active seniors are attracted to its community.
OTOW is home to over 175 resident clubs, so residents are sure to find like-minded individuals to spend time with. The clubs range from those celebrating travel and photography to sports and dancing; if there isn’t a resident club for your particular interest, you can look to start your own! And if you’re interested in learning a new skill or taking up a new hobby, you can look into Master the Possibilities, a not-for-profit learning program that provides residents with access to over 1,300 classes and presentations annually. The classes and presentations occur in the lifelong learning center, featuring five classrooms, four art studios, a computer lab, and a café area (with a library!).
There are basketball courts, golf courses, and many other opportunities to take part in sports and other activities. Pickleball courts abound; the sport is a cross between tennis and ping-pong and is only for those with high energy levels. If you’re more of a watcher than a doer, check out The Club at Candler Hills, which offers both indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the stunning golf course. Take in the sights while sipping on a cocktail or dining on one of the seasonal dishes created by the club’s chefs at The Club at Candler Hills.
Candler Hills residents can enjoy the amenities offered by The Lodge, an exclusive new clubhouse. The clubhouse features a resort-style pool with a beach entrance, a spa, an outdoor fire pit, a covered pavilion, an indoor gathering lounge with fireplace, and a grand lobby. All in all, it’s a high-class way to pass the time.
Residents are able to stay on top of the news in the community thanks to The On Top of the World News, a monthly newspaper created just for the region’s residents. Interesting in writing or photography? Sign up to be a volunteer proofreader or photographer for the newspaper. As you can see, it’s never too late to pick up a new hobby—or continue with what you’re passionate about!
There are several fitness centers in OTOW including the Indigo East Fitness Center, a 3,400 square-foot center featuring an aerobics studio, oversized pool, social gathering areas, walking trails, an outdoor fitness park, and more. The Arbor Fitness Center was recently renovated and offers residents updated, state-of-the-art fitness equipment, group exercise rooms, and a place for aquatic and tennis activities.
R/C flying enthusiasts will be eager to take advantage of the R/C flying field, a 14-acre site with a large grass runway and large pavilion. Spectators can sit on the sidelines and comfortably watch the action while enjoying the sunshine.
Festivals, fairs, dancing, and the chance to spend time with fellow residents are all available at the Circle Square Ranch Town Square in On Top of the World. The open-air plaza has seating for patrons, a gazebo for entertainers, plenty of space for twirling and dancing, and a kiosk for refreshments and snacks. Residents can enjoy weekly entertainment every Saturday night at the Town Square, and there are other special events that occur throughout the year as well.
Residents don’t have to spend all their time in On Top of the World. They can hop on a bus and take a day trip to museums, sports games, and more. These types of day trips are scheduled throughout the year for residents to take advantage of.
But the real draw of OTOW? Golf. And this is why golf carts are so popular in the community. On Top of the World features three golf courses with a total of 54 holes, providing residents with a large variety of golfing opportunities close to home. There are two private courses: The Links and The Tortoise & The Hare. Additionally, there is Candler Hills Golf Course, which is a semi-private course. This course has a practice facility with both short and long game practice areas as well as five sets of tees so every level player can enjoy his or her time on the course. Candler Hills Golf Course also features a pro shop and a restaurant.
Residents can play a round of golf or opt to just cruise along in their carts, enjoying the scenery. The courses are impeccably maintained, offering residents the chance to play year-round.
The On Top of the World Golf Club features a driving range, pro shop, and practice facility. The club has men’s and women’s golf associations, both of which plan tournaments for residents who are golf lovers. These tournaments offer residents the opportunity to enjoy camaraderie as well as healthy competition. And if you’re a novice player, don’t worry! Lessons and clinics are available, led by PGA and LPGA pros on staff.
And this is just some of the excitement that is available to OTOW residents. If you’re an active senior looking for somewhere to spend the rest of your days, whether you enjoy lying by the pool, playing golf, or just riding around in your deluxe golf cart, look no further than On Top of the World in sunny Florida.
